Cytokine mRNA profiles in trypanotolerant and trypanosusceptible cattle infected with the protozoan parasite Trypanosoma congolense: protective role for interleukin-4?

J Interferon Cytokine Res. 1999 Jan;19(1):59-65. doi: 10.1089/107999099314423.

Abstract

African trypanosomes are important pathogens of both humans and livestock. We investigated the association of cytokine responses with disease susceptibility in Trypanosoma congolense-infected cattle. Changes in interleukin (IL)-1beta, IL-2, IL-4, IL-5, IL-6, IL-12 p40, tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TFN-alpha), CD40L, and transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-beta) gene expression were compared in peripheral blood mononuclear cells of infected trypanotolerant N'Dama (Bos taurus) and trypanosusceptible Boran (Bos indicus) cattle. Results revealed that IL-2 transcription was decreased in both breeds of cattle at 21 days after infection. IL-12 p40 mRNA expression was increased in N'Dama cattle at 21 days after infection and at a later time in Boran cattle. The highest IL-4 mRNA expression was observed at 32 days after infection in N'Dama cattle. IL-6 mRNA expression increased in Boran cattle at 11 days after infection and was elevated at 21 and 32 days after infection in both breeds. Transcripts for IL-5 were barely detectable throughout the experimental period in both Boran and N'Dama cattle. Expression of TNF-alpha, IL-1beta, and TGF-beta mRNA did not change notably during the course of infection. In summary, differences in the expression of IL-4 and IL-6 mRNA were identified between the two breeds of cattle during infection with T. congolense, suggesting a possible protective role for IL-4 and a disease-promoting role for IL-6 in bovine trypanosomosis.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Cattle
  • Cattle Diseases / physiopathology*
  • Cytokines / genetics*
  • Disease Susceptibility
  • Gene Expression
  • Interleukin-4 / physiology*
  • Interleukin-5 / physiology
  • Interleukin-6 / physiology
  • Leukocytes, Mononuclear / metabolism
  • Monocytes / metabolism
  • RNA, Messenger / analysis*
  • Reverse Transcriptase Polymerase Chain Reaction
  • Transforming Growth Factor beta / physiology
  • Trypanosoma congolense*
  • Trypanosomiasis, African / physiopathology*

Substances

  • Cytokines
  • Interleukin-5
  • Interleukin-6
  • RNA, Messenger
  • Transforming Growth Factor beta
  • Interleukin-4